The Handmade Shop

Thinking About Etsy Ads? Here's What You Really Need to KnowFeeling tempted to click that little “Try Ads” button on your Etsy dashboard?I get it. When sales are slow and summer traffic dips, it's easy to think, “What if I just paid to get more views?” But Etsy Ads don't create demand. They only amplify what's already working.So before you spend money hoping for more sales, let's walk through what Etsy Ads actually do, why they might backfire if your shop isn't ready, and how to know if it's the right time to test them.If you've been wondering whether ads are your next step or just another distraction, this episode will give you the clarity (and strategy) you need.What you'll learn:What Etsy Ads actually do (and what they don't)How ads can hurt your visibility if used too earlyThe 5 signs your shop is ready to run adsThe one mindset shift that changes how you see paid trafficWhat to work on first before spending a dollar on adsMentioned in the episode:Book your free consult: https://calendly.com/theheartlandcreative/consultYour Next Steps:Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

How to Keep Showing Up When You're in Summer ModeSummer schedules can be chaotic…or blissfully slow. Either way, keeping your Etsy shop visible doesn't have to mean going full speed or launching something new every week.In this episode, we're talking about how to stay consistent enough to maintain your momentum during the summer, without burning out. You'll learn how to create a light visibility routine, get honest about your time, and set one simple goal that helps you keep your shop moving (even when you're in vacation brain).If you've been wondering how to show up this summer without doing too much, this episode is for you.What you'll learn:How to match your shop strategy to your actual summer scheduleWhy a simple routine can be more powerful than a big planExamples of low-effort visibility actions that actually helpHow to set a summer goal you'll actually stick toMentioned in the episode:Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeYour Next Steps:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

Your Whole Summer Etsy Strategy (in One Afternoon):Summer doesn't have to be a chaotic mess or a total sales slump. In this episode, we're building your entire summer Etsy strategy (yes, all of it) in one afternoon.Whether your shop slows down in the summer or you're just trying to enjoy life outside your business, you need a simple, intentional plan that works with your real life. No big launches, no endless content calendar, just three practical steps to help you:✔ Know what to promote✔ Plan your time off✔ And prep now so fall doesn't sneak up on youGrab your planner or a notebook, and let's map it out so your shop keeps moving without taking over your life.What you'll learn:What to promote this summer (hint: you already have it!)How to schedule rest without guilt or stressEasy ways to prep for fall while things are slowerHow to make your summer strategy realistic and sustainableOne small challenge that can help you reset your whole seasonMentioned in the episode:Free Seasonal Product Planning Calendar: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/calendar/Your Next Steps:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

If you've been stuck trying to create the “perfect” product before you launch this episode is for you.Too many Etsy sellers wait for certainty before they list anything. But the truth is, your best-selling product won't come from guessing. It comes from testing.In this episode, I'll show you: – Why overthinking your product line stalls your growth – What traffic actually tells you (it's more than just sales!) – How to use real data to build products that sell – Why perfection isn't the goalLINKS:If you've been stuck in the loop of second-guessing, I want to help. Come post in Etsy Seller Help and Support on Facebook and tell me what you've been holding back. I'll help you work through it!Search for Etsy Seller Help and Support on Facebook or click this link - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative

Not feeling motivated lately? You're not alone and you're not doing anything wrong.In this episode, I'll walk you through how to move forward when motivation is low. You'll learn:– Why a lack of motivation is completely normal– How to figure out what's really going on under the surface– How to reset without guilt or pressure– Simple, low-effort ways to reconnect with your Etsy shopWhether you're burned out, discouraged, or just feeling off, this episode will help you take the next right step without pushing yourself too hard.LINKS:Still feeling stuck? Post inside my Facebook Group and let's work through it together! Search for Etsy Seller Help and Support on Facebook or click here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative

If you've been wondering whether it's time to switch things up in your Etsy shop this episode is for you.Maybe your sales have slowed down.Maybe someone told you your niche is too saturated.Or maybe you're watching other sellers grow faster and have caught yourself thinking you should start over.Before you make another big change, I want you to pause and ask yourself the right questions.In this episode, I'll walk you through:Common reasons Etsy sellers feel pulled to pivotWhy starting over isn't always the right next stepWhat might be missing from your current product lineHow to blend strategy and passion when making big decisionsIf you're second-guessing your niche or feeling stuck, this conversation will help you slow down, reflect, and move forward with more clarity.LINKS:Grab the free guide, Five Questions to Ask Before You Change Your Product Line - sarahjwaggoner.com/pivot

If your Etsy sales spike before a big holida, then completely disappear, you're not alone. This “seasonal rollercoaster” is super common…and totally exhausting.In this episode, you'll learn how to blend evergreen products with seasonal strategy so you can build consistent, year-round traffic without constantly starting from scratch.What we cover:Why seasonal-only shops struggle with long-term visibilityHow evergreen listings create stability in your shopEasy ways to turn existing products into seasonal best-sellersHow to let your seasonal offers support your evergreen lineIf you're ready to plan your shop more intentionally and finally get off the sales rollercoaster, this one's for you.LINKS:Download the free Seasonal Product Planning Calendar - https://sarahjwaggoner.com/calendar/Follow me on Instagram for more tips - https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

Planning your Etsy product line for the year doesn't have to mean constant hustle. In this episode, I'll walk you through a simple, three-step strategy to help you grow your shop without the overwhelm.What you'll learn:How to use last year's data to decide what to focus onHow to align your product launches with real buyer demandWhy planning for rest is just as important as planning for salesDownload the free seasonal planning calendar here: sarahjwaggoner.com/calendarListen now and build a product strategy that supports both your business and your life.

Think listing more products will finally get your Etsy shop the traffic it deserves? Think again! Etsy doesn't just rank listings…it ranks shops. That means if your shop lacks authority in a niche, adding more random listings won't fix your visibility issues.In today's episode, I'm breaking down: ✅ Why Etsy isn't showing your products in search (even if your SEO is “right”) ✅ The real reason more listings won't magically bring in sales ✅ What actually moves the needleIf you've been listing product after product, tweaking your tags, and even posting on social media but still feel invisible, this is the episode for you!

Thinking about selling on multiple platforms to grow your business? Before you spend hours setting up Shopify, Amazon Handmade, or a TikTok Shop, listen to this episode! Today, we're breaking down the multi-platform myth and why trying to sell everywhere often leads to less profit, more stress, and slower growth.You'll learn:- Why managing too many platforms is hurting your sales- The real power of an Etsy-first strategy and how to make it work for you- When it actually makes sense to expand (and when it doesn't)- Actionable steps to simplify your strategy and grow faster with less effortIf you're feeling stretched too thin trying to be on all the platforms, this episode is your permission to focus and thrive.

In this episode of The Handmade Shop Podcast, we'll explain why relying only on social media is a risky strategy for your product business. Learn how unpredictable algorithm changes, declining organic reach, and conversion challenges can hurt your sales, and discover actionable tips to optimize your Etsy shop.Takeaways: Stop relying solely on social media and build traffic on Etsy. Optimize your Etsy shop with targeted keywords and a clear niche. Create a steady flow of sales by building your authority on Etsy.If you found these insights helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts. Connect with me on social media and make sure to sign up for my free class on March 4th!Save your seat for Visibility on Etsy Without Going Viral here - https://sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclass/Connect with Sarah: Instagram Facebook

There's a lot of misinformation floating around about how long it takes to know if an Etsy listing will work. Should you see results in a week or two? Should you delete anything that hasn't sold in 90 days? Let's set the record straight.In this episode, I'm breaking down:✅ Why Etsy's algorithm takes time to rank your listings✅ The biggest mistake sellers make when they don't see sales fast enough✅ What to do instead of deleting and relisting (so you don't sabotage your own progress)If you want to get more traffic and sales on Etsy, don't miss my free class on March 4th! Sign up atsarahjwaggoner.com/freeclass

If you've ever told yourself, “I'll list this product after I retake the photos,” or “I can't launch yet because I need at least 20 listings ready first,” you might be stuck in perfection mode. And guess what? That's exactly what's holding your Etsy shop back. In today's episode, we're diving into The ‘Good Enough' Etsy Shop Strategy: a practical, no-BS approach to getting your products listed, seen, and sold without waiting for everything to be perfect. Because waiting isn't a strategy and a product that isn't listed can't make sales. You'll learn:- Why perfectionism is actually procrastination in disguise- The three biggest ways Etsy sellers stall their own progress- The simple strategy that gets your shop moving NOW- How to optimize as you go instead of overthinking every little detail So if you're stuck in Etsy limbo, constantly tweaking but never launching, this episode is your permission to stop waiting and start selling. Let's go! Resources & Links:

Running an Etsy shop can sometimes feel like you're putting in the work, but the results aren't there. If you're struggling with consistent sales, chances are you fall into one of three categories. In this episode, I'll share: The most common roadblocks Etsy sellers face. Why focusing your efforts is key to visibility. Actionable tips to grow your shop without burning out. Not sure what's holding you back? Take the free quiz at sarahjwaggoner.com/quiz to find out. Let's Connect! If this episode spoke to you, I'd love to hear about it! Share your quiz results and tag me on Instagram @sarahjwaggoner DM me with your questions! I'm here to help.

If you've ever wondered why your listings aren't getting the traffic they deserve on Etsy, this episode is for you. We're diving into the most common reasons your shop isn't showing up in search results. Whether it's a lack of focus in your product line, keyword mistakes, or an “everywhere-at-once” approach, I'll guide you through actionable steps to help Etsy's algorithm notice your shop and boost your visibility. Ready to find out exactly what's blocking your visibility on Etsy? Click here to take the Visibility Quiz - https://sarahjwaggoner.com/quiz/

Let's kick things off by talking about something that doesn't get nearly enough attention in the Etsy world: sustainability. And no, I'm not talking about eco-friendly packaging or recycled materials (although, props to you if you're doing those things). I'm talking about building a business that grows without running you into the ground. If 2024 felt like a chaotic blur of trying to keep up with trends, burning through ideas, and wondering if this whole Etsy thing is even worth it, then this episode is for you. Have questions about this episode?! Join my free Facebook group, Etsy Seller Help and Support.Find it here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreative

Here's the thing: resolutions sound great in theory. Who doesn't want a magical list of goals that fixes everything?  But if we're being honest, most resolutions don't last past February. In this episode, you can learn more about how to create a strategy for your Etsy shop in 2025 that produces real results.Love the episode? DM me on Instagram and tell me what strategy you're focusing on for the next 30 days!  https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner

guessing at strategies, or hoping rebranding would fix everything, it's time for a different approach. In this episode, we're skipping the fluffy resolutions that don't stick and diving into what actually works to grow your Etsy shop. We'll cover: ✅ How to reflect on 2024 without beating yourself up (and why your shop's data is your best teacher). ✅ Setting SMART goals that are actionable, measurable, and won't leave you overwhelmed. ✅ A simple plan to improve visibility with focused SEO, strategic product launches, and consistency. 2025 doesn't have to be another year of guessing and hoping. Let's create a plan that helps you grow your shop, reach more buyers, and finally feel in control of your business. ✨ Listen now and start the year with clarity and confidence! Got goals for 2025? Share them with me in my Facebook group: Etsy Seller Help and Support. I'd love to cheer you on!

Rebranding feels like the ultimate fresh start. A new logo, updated photos, and polished shop colors. But here's the truth: no amount of aesthetic updates will fix the real issues holding back your Etsy shop. In this episode, we're diving into why rebranding often feels like the solution but rarely delivers the results you're looking for. You'll learn: ✅ Why rebranding is often just a distraction from deeper visibility problems. ✅ The key issues that actually impact your shop's traffic and sales (hint: it's strategy, not style). ✅ The four things you should focus on instead: niche strategy, intentional keyword research, listing optimization, and consistency. If you've been stuck in a cycle of constant tweaks without seeing results, this episode is your wake-up call. Let's focus on what really matters to grow your Etsy shop. ✨ Listen now to get the clarity and direction your shop deserves! Then make sure to follow me @sarahjwaggoner on Instagram! I want to hear from you!

Creativity is a gift, right? That's probably why you started your Etsy shop. But what happens when your endless ideas turn into scattered products, a shop that's all over the place, and zero visibility? In this episode, I'm breaking down why shiny object syndrome is keeping you stuck and how it's hurting your sales on Etsy. We'll talk about: ✅ Why hopping from product to product isn't the answer. ✅ How Etsy's algorithm thrives on focus and consistency. ✅ The steps you can take to define your niche, optimize your shop, and actually get found. I know it's tempting to chase trends and try all the things, but let's focus on what actually works. Your creativity deserves to shine, but it needs a little structure to turn into real, profitable sales. And if this episode has you nodding along and thinking, “Yep, that's me,” I want you to check out the Etsy Visibility Accelerator. This 12-week program is designed to help you break the cycle, master Etsy-first strategies, and create consistent, organic sales. ✨ Apply now at etsyvisibility.com You've got big ideas, Etsy seller! Let's make sure buyers actually find them. Listen now and let's tackle shiny object syndrome together!

If you aren't getting a lot of traffic to your Etsy listings, I know you've spent a ton of time worrying about why they're getting buried in the algorithm. This episode is going to give you the top 3 reasons why your Etsy listings are hiding out in the back pages of search results. Ready to do something about it? Join me for my free masterclass, Visibility on Etsy, Without Going Viral, by saving your seat here - www.sarahjwaggoner.com/freeclass

Do you have a garage sale shop? Learn more about what to do instead in this week's episode of The Handmade Shop Podcast. Want help developing your production calendar? Email me at sarah@sarahjwaggoner.com with the word “podcast” in the subject line! Feel free to include your shop link in the email and I'll give you some personalized tips for your Etsy shop!

We are officially in “last minute” territory when it comes to getting more Black Friday sales on Etsy this year. Listen to this episode to learn what two things should be on your to-do list and one thing that needs to be on your don't list. Then join me in the Seller Collective here - https://sarahjwaggoner.com/sellercollective/

Are Etsy offsite ads for you? Listen to this episode to lear more about the pros and cons of the Offsite Ads program. Then join me in Etsy Seller Help and Support on Facebook for more information!

“Don't put all of your eggs in one basket.” How many times have you heard that advice?! In this week's episode, I'm telling you all about what I hate about the typical advice other Etsy sellers are going to give you when it comes to keeping all of your eggs in one basket…and what to do instead. LINKS:Join the Seller Collective here.

Can you confuse the Etsy algorithm? How can you add new product lines without risking the keywords you're already ranking for? Listen to this episode to learn more! LINKS:Join the Seller Collective here.

How do you start an email list for your Etsy shop without spamming your subscribers? Listen to this episode to learn more. LINKS:Join the Seller Collective here.

Etsy has announced a new search algorithm update. Listen to this episode to learn more about how to prepare your shop. LINKS:Read Etsy's announcement here. Join my FB group discussion regarding the announcement here. Join me on Threads here.Join the Seller Collective here.

What is your Listing Quality Score and why does it matter? Listen to the full episode for 5 ways to improve your Etsy Listing Quality Score today. LINKS: Learn how to turn your favorites into sales here.

Having more followers is always a good thing right?! So how do you get more followers on Etsy. Listen to this episode for what you should and shouldn't be doing. LINKS:Watch my free masterclass here.

Is Etsy Pattern worth it for handmade business owners? Learn more about the pros and cons of using Pattern for your business website. LINKS:Check out Pattern here. Sign up for my free masterclass here.

If you want to sell more digital products on Etsy, click here to get your free ticket to the Creation Lab Summit! I'll be speaking on how to choose a digital product to sell on Etsy and even be giving out some freebies to help you with keyword research! See you there!

Do you need a sale strategy for your Etsy shop? Listen to this week's episode to learn more about how to run effective and profitable sales on Etsy. LINKS:Learn more about the Seller Collective in my free masterclass here.

Etsy announced some new updates this week. Listen to this episode to learn more about the changes that are rolling out. This audio was taken from my Instagram announcement here. If you have questions, please click on that link and drop them in the comments! LINKS: Listen to the CEO's video update here.Join my Etsy seller Facebook group here to stay up to date on future Etsy updates.

Do you need a business email to sell on Etsy? Learn more about getting a custom email address and starting an email list for your Etsy business in this week's episode! LINKS:Learn how to start your email list in the Seller Collective.

There are so many different types of digital downloads you can sell on Etsy. Listen to this episode to learn more about how to choose a niche and to grab my top 5 product ideas! LINKS:Get 101 digital product ideas you can sell on Etsy by signing up here! I've even included competition and demand stats to help you start your keyword research!

Getting favorites on Etsy is so fun, right? Until you start to spend all day wondering why these people aren't just buying already! Listen to this week's episode to learn what to do when someone favorites one of your  Etsy listings. LINKS: Join the Seller Collective here

Your time management skills need to be top notch when you're a full time business owner. Learn more about how to evaluate your time and schedule as a full-time Etsy seller. LINKS:Click here to grab my Time Management Planner for Etsy sellers.

In our last episode, we looked at outsourcing for full-time Etsy sellers. Today, we're flipping the coin and discussing what you should avoid outsourcing. We'll chat about outsourcing SEO services, product design, social media ads, PR, and social media management. Upcoming Episode Teaser: Join us next week for the final episode of this six-figure series, where we'll tackle time management for full-time Etsy sellers. Additional Resources:Apply for private mentoring sessions. Limited spots available.

Outsourcing is an important part of any full-time product business. Listen to this episode for the top 4 things that full-time Etsy sellers should be outsourcing in their businesses. Need help with this process? Click here to apply for private mentoring with me. Spots are limited.

If you've even struggled with picking a niche on Etsy, this episode is for you. Learn the steps to picking a niche on Etsy that sells. LINKS:Join the Seller Collective here to get personalized help with this process for your business.

The Etsy Summer Slump is almost here! But it doesn't have to mean a big drop in sales. Listen to this episode to learn how to create a Summer Slump Sales plan. LINKS:Join me in the Seller Collective to access my Summer Slump Workshop and make your planning even easier!

Can you ditch social media marketing for your Etsy business? It depends on who's asking! Listen to this week's episode for my marketing recommendations for Etsy sellers who hate marketing. LINKS: Want to work with me 1:1? Click here to schedule your application call.Not making consistent sales yet? I'd love to help you with your marketing strategy in the Seller Collective. Join here then make plans to attend one of our live group coaching calls to get personalized feedback on your marketing strategy.

Welcome back to the Six Figure Series for Etsy sellers looking to scale their revenue. Today we're going to talk about scaling your Etsy business by doing less because I know your to-do list is getting way too long right now. Learn how to analyze your shop and prioritize what's working. LINKS:Need 1:1 help? Schedule your application call for private mentoring here.

The Six Figure Series is back! If you're working on scaling your handmade business, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast because the next few episodes are just for you. Join me for this episode to learn my top 3 tips for getting year-round sales on Etsy.Ready for some 1:1 help to scale your business? Click here to schedule your application call with me. Private mentoring is best for sellers making $3,000 - $10,000 monthly who want to scale to six or seven figures in their businesses.

In this episode I'm giving you my top 3 tips for staying disciplined with your to do list for your handmade business. LINKS:Join my email list here to get this week's email diving further into the episode.

If you've ever said something along the lines of “I'm getting a lot of traffic but no sales!” then this episode is a must listen for you as an Etsy seller. Learn how many visits you actually need to make a sale and what to do if you aren't converting as much as you want to!Questions? Join my Facebook group and let me know!

My Facebook group has has a big increase in posts about Etsy scammers in the last few weeks. This week's episode talks about how to protect your shop from getting hacked.

The top 5 ways I rest and recover from burnout after a busy holiday season on Etsy. LINKS: Join me in my free Facebook group here to attend Craft Your Year live! Already a member of the group? Click here to directly RSVP to Day 1. (You must be a member of the group or this link won't work. Please click to join the group using the first link before trying to RSVP)

Are you a digital product seller on Etsy? Let's talk about what you can outsource in your business when you're running out of time! LINKS: Join my Facebook Group Follow me on Instagram

Have you ever felt “stuck” in your Etsy sales? Learn the steps you can take to increase sales on Etsy after hitting a plateau in this week's episode. LINKS: Join the Seller Collective waitlist here. Find me on Instagram or in my Facebook group.